Rachel Kempson, the matriarch of a renowned acting dynasty, often took a backseat to the attention focused on her accomplished family members.
Born on May 28, 1910, in Dartmouth, Devon, England, to Beatrice Hamilton (Ashwell) and Eric William Edward Kempson, a headmaster, Rachel trained at RADA and made her professional stage debut at Stratford in 1933, playing Hero in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing."
She went on to perform with esteemed companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the English Stage Company, and the Old Vic.
In 1935, Rachel married actor Michael Redgrave, becoming Lady Redgrave when Sir Michael was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959. Their three children, Vanessa Redgrave, Lynn Redgrave, and Corin Redgrave, grew up to become celebrated acting icons.
Throughout her career, Rachel prioritized her roles as a wife and mother, often putting her own ambitions on the backburner. On stage, she co-starred with Sir Michael in several productions, including "Flowers of the Forest" (1935),"Love's Labour's Lost" (1936),"Storm in a Teacup" (1936),"The Wingless Victory" (1943),"Antony and Cleopatra" (as Octavia) (1953),"King Lear" (as Regan) (1953),and "Samson Agonistes" (1965).
Rachel also appeared in various films, including "A Woman's Vengeance" (1948),"Tom Jones" (1963),"The Third Secret" (1964),"Curse of the Fly" (1965),and "The Jokers" (1967). She shared the screen with family members, including her husband in "Jeannie" (1941),"The Captive Heart" (1946),and "The Sea Shall Not Have Them" (1954); her daughter Lynn in "Tom Jones" (1963),"Georgy Girl" (1966),and "The Virgin Soldiers" (1969); and both Vanessa and Corin in "The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1968).
In 1986, Lady Redgrave published her autobiography, "Life Among the Redgraves," which detailed her loving but complicated marriage to Sir Michael, who was bisexual and had occasional discreet affairs. Despite their difficulties, the couple remained married until his death in 1985, just months before their 50th wedding anniversary.
Today, the Redgrave family's acting legacy continues to thrive, with grandchildren Natasha Richardson, Joely Richardson, and Jemma Redgrave all becoming prominent actors.
In her later years, Rachel focused on British television series, TV movies, and mini-series, including "Jane Eyre" (1970),"Elizabeth R" (1971),"Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill" (1974),"Love for Lydia" (1977),"Tales of the Unexpected" (1979),"The Jewel in the Crown" (1984),"The Black Tower" (1985),"Small World" (1988),and "Lorna Doone" (1990).
Rachel's final films included "Out of Africa" (1985),"Stealing Heaven" (1988),and "Déjà Vu" (1997),her last collaboration with her daughter Vanessa.
Lady Redgrave passed away suddenly at the age of 92 while staying at her granddaughter Natasha's home in Millbrook, New York.
